Requests meeting of open and honest dialogue in the best interest for the state.
PHOENIX, AZ – January 7, 2010 – After receiving numerous letters from supporters, Mayor Vernon Parker wrote a letter to Bryan Howard, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona opposing Jan Brewer attending the home of a prominent Planned Parenthood leader and requesting a meeting for open, honest dialog in the best interests for Arizona. The text of the letter follows:
Bryan Howard
5651 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Dear Mr. Howard:
I write to you today to let you know that I have been in contact and have agreed to meet with members of Planned Parenthood in case you can make it. This meeting is to discuss why I strongly opposed Jan Brewer attending a fundraising event held at the home of a prominent Planned Parenthood leader.
As you are aware, I have received many letters from supporters of Planned Parenthood. They all say basically the same thing. Most letters make the case that Planned Parenthood provides needed health services to low-income women and that abortion-related services are a fraction of the overall work of Planned Parenthood. That may in fact be the case.
As I noted in my press release (enclosed), many of my supporters are pro-choice. However, I can never support your organization’s position on abortions. And, worse yet, I cannot support an organization that lobbies the legislature and courts on behalf of one of the most gruesome procedures imaginable, partial birth abortion.
Planned Parenthood has consistently lobbied against middle-of-the-road reform such as parental consent, parental notification, informed consent and a waiting period. By any reasonable standard, Planned Parenthood is far outside the mainstream of public opinion on all these issues.
I strongly believe that life begins at conception. I can’t compromise that deeply held personal value.
My press release strongly encouraged Jan Brewer to cancel the fundraiser because she was sending mixed messages. As someone who is pro-life, I would not knowingly attend a fundraiser at a home of someone who played such a prominent leadership role with your organization.
I will coordinate a time with the group that has contacted me. While our differences on these critical issues will not be resolved by meeting, I believe open and honest dialogue is in the best interests of everyone.
Sincerely,
Vernon Parker
For more information contact Nathan Sproul or go to www.Parker2010.com.
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